Movie Reviews for October 23, 2015: STEVE JOBS, JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS, THE LAST WITCH HUNTER, and ROCK THE KASBAH

STEVE JOBS
Rated: R
Release Date: October 23, 2015
Director: Danny Boyle
Stars: Michael Fassbender, Kate Winslet, Seth Rogen, Jeff Daniels
Plot: A behind-the-scenes look at the man that was Steve Jobs
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait until after opening weekend, but see this in theaters

When I first heard that the concept for this film was to show Steve Jobs behind the scenes of three of his product launches I was nervous that it was going to be quite a boring film. To my relief, this film is anything but boring. In fact, it is very intense and exciting all the way through. 

Fassbender and Winslet have extraordinary chemistry that allows for truly captivating banter between them. Seth Rogen does a great job in his nerdtastic portrayal of Woz. And Jeff Daniels proves once again that he can make a lot out of very little. 

Just by the nature of the film one can easily gather that a lot of the events and conflicts are fictionalized, but even so it is very well done. I wouldn't go so far as to say that the information in the movie is all true to Steve Jobs and the people around him, but I would bet that it is a mostly accurate representation. 

If you like to think while you are being entertained you will really enjoy STEVE JOBS. 

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS
Rated: PG
Release Date: October 23, 2015
Director: Jon M. Chu
Stars: Aubrey Peeples, Juliette Lewis, Ryan Guzman, Molly Ringwald
Plot: Four sisters hit the big time and must figure out how to stay together in the spotlight while solving a mystery
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD and make someone else rent it 

This film may crack my Ten Worst Films of 2015, although we still have two months left for it to be knocked out of that dubious honor. I can't even begin to tell you how cheesy and lame this film is. The dialogue is painful, the lip syncing doesn't match the lyrics, they pretend to play one instrument while we hear something different, and it's almost two hours long. 

Fans of the JATH cartoon will be annoyed because the film strays wildly from the story you know. Ironically, the 1980's TV show is more forward-thinking and pro-woman than the movie, the Misfits aren't in the movie until the very end, and Synergy is totally lame compared to the Synergy of the cartoon. 

Really, the only people that might like this film are girls between 8 and 12. For them it will be a fun film with some positive and empowering messages. For everyone else you'll see those empowering moments as manipulative and forced. 

If you are unlucky enough to have to see this movie you will be treated to about five minutes of awesome. Be on the lookout for some epic cameos, Brad the Valet, and the uber fan security guard. They at least make some of this film tolerable. 

Also, Kimber may be the most unloved and under appreciated girl in the history of movies. You'll, unfortunately, need to see the film to figure out why. 

#KimberNeedsLoveToo

THE LAST WITCH HUNTER

Rated: PG-13

Release Date: October 23, 2015

Director: Breck Eisner

Stars: Vin Diesel, Rose Leslie

Plot: Kaulder is the only thing standing between humans and the witches intent on destroying them\

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

This is the kind of film where you hope it will be smart and unique, but you go in expecting it to be just another typical action flick with witches. Unfortunately, it lives up only to the expectations and not the hopes. 

The setup for this film give the potential for something special, but ultimately there is nothing about this film that is extraordinary or compelling. It moves slow, the action scenes are muddled and hard to follow, and if you are a HARRY POTTER fan you'll quickly catch on that the Queen Witch is basically Voldemort. (Horcruxes for the almost win).

There are a couple of exciting elements to the film, but nothing that is worth spending the money to see it in theaters. Just wait for the DVD, and when you do finally see it, check your brain at the door. because if you think too much you'll really hate this movie.

ROCK THE KASBAH

Rated: R

Release Date: October 23, 2015

Director: Barry Levinson

Stars: Bill Murray, Kate Hudson, Zooey Deschanel, Bruce Willis

Plot: A music manager finds an unlikely singer in an unlikely place and tries to make her a star

Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

Typically when you hear the name Bill Murray you associate that with comedy. On some level ROCK THE KASBAH is a comedy, but it is so much more than that. 

It isn't a great film by any means, however it is a very good film. It is heartwarming, courageous, inspiring, and compelling. 

If you are looking for a side - splitting laugh fest this is not your movie. But if you want to see a movie that will make you smile and think about life in a different way, ROCK THE KASBAH is a great choice.

DVD Review For September 15, 2015: FURIOUS 7, CINDERELLA, and MONKEY KINGDON

FURIOUS SEVEN
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell
Plot: Dom and his team must recover a high-tech surveillance program in order to go after the guy that's trying to take them down
Trailer

Clint Says: Grab some popcorn, check your brain at the door and buy this DVD today

This film is ridiculous, stupid, over the top and COMPLETELY AWESOME!

Look, you know what you are getting into with this flick. It's fast cars, hot people, epic fighting and not much else. That said, the reason anyone goes to see these movies is for the fast cars, hot people and epic fighting.

This franchise really hit its stride with 6 and now 7 keeps that momentum going. It's a fun, exciting popcorn flick that will have you holding your breath and then driving too fast when you leave the theater.

For a movie about fast cars, it does take a while before it gets going. The first 20 minutes or so are pretty slow, but once the action kicks in it's a non-stop street race to the credits. There are several moments where the action is eye-rollingly ridiculous, but in this style of movie that is perfectly fine, and as far as I'm concerned, encouraged.

Paul Walker fans are going to be very pleased with the film. I'm not sure how much of the movie is actually him and how much is his brother filling in, but there wasn't a single second when I could tell that is wasn't him. The "face-replacing" technology that we first saw in the latest TRON film with Jeff Bridges was amazing, but still looked a bit odd. It was used in this film to put Paul's face on his brother's body for certain scenes, but now, it is seamless.

The last five minutes of the film are a tribute to Walker. It is a wonderful tribute, but it barely has anything to do with the rest of the movie. It's almost as if the Director said, "Plot? We don't need to worry about plot! This is Paul Walker!" But, even though the tribute doesn't fit it at all with the rest of the film, fans of the franchise will probably have a tough time keeping from shedding a tear.

A note to my Nashville area readers: Be on the lookout for the reporter about 10 minutes into the movie. She is our very own Stephanie Langston from News Channel 2!




CINDERELLA
Rated: PG
Stars: Lily James, Richard Madden, Cate Blanchett
Plot: A beautiful girl grows up as the servant to her wicked step-mother, but she finds love with the Prince.
Trailer

Clint Says: Buy this DVD if you have Disney fans in your house

If you have a tween or younger girl in your house you simply must take them to see this movie. They will LOVE it. CINDERELLA is a beautifully told tale that doesn't feel like a rehash of the dozens of other movies by the same name that have popped up through the decades.

One nice aspect about this new Cinderella is that she is much more than just a pretty, nice girl that can only escape her pitiful situation by finding the love of a man. In fact, the first time she meets the prince the outcome is quite unexpected.

Cate Blanchett does a stellar job as the wicked stepmother, and even though we are still very early in the year, we may see her get some award nominations as 2015 comes to a close. The step sisters are riotously funny and Helena Bonham Carter is perfect as The Fairy Godmother.

My only issue with this film is that the first half hour is really sad and slow. After that the story picks up and we are all on a ride into a wonderful ever after.

By the way, it's worth the price of admission just to see the Disney animated short FROZEN FEVER that plays prior to the film. It's seven minutes of pee-your-pants funny.




MONKEY KINGDOM
Rated: G
Stars: Tina Fey
Plot: The story of a young monkey and mother trying to survive in ancient ruins in South Asia
Trailer

Clint Says: It's worth a rental

These DisneyNature films are always very well done and interesting and MONKEY KINGDOM is no exception, but like the others, there isn't anything in the movie that makes it so compelling that you have to see it in theaters. You will get the same effect and joy by watching this in your own living room four months from now that you would get by seeing it this weekend.

Really, the only reason to see it in theaters is because part of the ticket sales go to helping the monkeys survive. But if that is really something that concerns you, then just donate the full price of a ticket and then wait for the DVD.

As with most DisneyNature films, make sure you stick around through the credits. they show the camera crews working closely with the animals. To me it is the most intriguing part of the whole movie.

This film is safe and enjoyable for the whole family, so if you are looking for an outing this would be a good choice. Just don't expect your kids to walk out of it like they had just seen FROZEN.

Movie Review For April 3, 2015: FURIOUS SEVEN

FURIOUS SEVEN
Rated: PG-13
Stars: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jason Statham, Kurt Russell
Plot: Dom and his team must recover a high-tech surveillance program in order to go after the guy that's trying to take them down
Trailer

Clint Says: Grab some popcorn, check your brain at the door and go this weekend

This film is ridiculous, stupid, over the top and COMPLETELY AWESOME!

Look, you know what you are getting into with this flick. It's fast cars, hot people, epic fighting and not much else. That said, the reason anyone goes to see these movies is for the fast cars, hot people and epic fighting.

This franchise really hit its stride with 6 and now 7 keeps that momentum going. It's a fun, exciting popcorn flick that will have you holding your breath and then driving too fast when you leave the theater.

For a movie about fast cars, it does take a while before it gets going. The first 20 minutes or so are pretty slow, but once the action kicks in it's a non-stop street race to the credits. There are several moments where the action is eye-rollingly ridiculous, but in this style of movie that is perfectly fine, and as far as I'm concerned, encouraged.

Paul Walker fans are going to be very pleased with the film. I'm not sure how much of the movie is actually him and how much is his brother filling in, but there wasn't a single second when I could tell that is wasn't him. The "face-replacing" technology that we first saw in the latest TRON film with Jeff Bridges was amazing, but still looked a bit odd. It was used in this film to put Paul's face on his brother's body for certain scenes, but now, it is seamless.

The last five minutes of the film are a tribute to Walker. It is a wonderful tribute, but it barely has anything to do with the rest of the movie. It's almost as if the Director said, "Plot? We don't need to worry about plot! This is Paul Walker!" But, even though the tribute doesn't fit it at all with the rest of the film, fans of the franchise will probably have a tough time keeping from shedding a tear.

A note to my Nashville area readers: Be on the lookout for the reporter about 10 minutes into the movie. She is our very own Stephanie Langston from News Channel 2!

Movie Review for August 1, 2014

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper
Plot: A misfit group is forced together and must use their skills to try to save the galaxy from a madman.
Trailer

Clint Says: Drop everything and go see this movie now

Wow. Just. Wow.

Marvel has outdone themselves with GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY.

This could very well be the best movie of the summer and possibly one of the top ten movies of the year. It is gut-bustingly funny (to the point where we missed several lines due to all the laughter), it's exciting, the plot is compelling and the chemistry between the cast is near perfect.

Another aspect of this movie that will please movie-goers is that this movie has three strong female characters all with agency. It's so nice to see an action flick that treats the female characters in a way that makes them important to the plot and they have the will and ability to affect things on their own rather than waiting for their prince charming to save the day.

Children of the 80s will find this movie totally radical. For reasons that become clear in the movie, Peter Quill is essentially stuck in the 80s therefore all of his pop culture references are from that time period. It makes for some extremely funny moments.

The writing for this film is so spectacular that you really have no idea if any of these characters are going to survive to the end of the story. It's refreshing to see a movie that doesn't protect its main characters to the point of taking the suspense away as to what may happen to them.

This film can be wrapped up in two words. They will mean nothing to you until you see the movie, but once you do they will be epic. Those words are "dance off". Enjoy.

One small warning: Unlike most MARVEL films, this one uses quite a bit of adult language. So use your discretion when considering taking the young ones.



GET ON UP
Rated - PG-13
Stars: Chadwick Boseman, Nelsan Ellis, Dan Aykroyd
Plot: The story of the life of the godfather of soul, James Brown
Trailer

Clint Says: Wait for the DVD

James Brown was larger than life. Director Tate Taylor found that out when he took on the challenge of trying to fit all of James Brown into a two-hour movie. It's something that can be done, and someone may eventually be able to do it well, buy Taylor's effort doesn't make the cut.

The story jumps around in a non-chronological order with several story lines not coming together in a cohesive and understandable way until the last few minutes of the movie. In a movie with less content or fewer story lines it's a creative tactic that can add a compelling nature to a film, but in this case it's just confusing.

Taylor also tries to cover so much material that he misses major moments. For example, there are major, life-changing events that happen during the course of the film that are merely mentioned and then washed over by the next story. It was frustrating to be told that something significant was happening, but not be able to see the aftermath play out on screen.

Boseman does a fine job in portraying James Brown both on and off the stage, but his speaking pattern and accent are very difficult to understand. (I have a slight hearing loss issue and tend to read lips as an aide to understanding what people are saying. In this case it was very difficult for me to do that).

It's not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination, but it's not great either. It offers nothing to the audience that you can't get from waiting a few months and watching it on DVD.